Parque Nacional das Emas

A UNESCO World Heritage site protecting a significant portion of the Cerrado biome, known for its vast grasslands and termite mounds. It's one of the best...

Parque Nacional das Emas at a Glance

Location
Pantanal & Western Rivers, Brazil, Central & South America
Coordinates
-18.106245, -52.927326
IUCN Category
II
Crowds
Very Quiet
Malaria Risk
Moderate

Getting to Parque Nacional das Emas

Nearest airport: Cosmos Aviação Agrícola, 46 km away.

Big Five in Parque Nacional das Emas

1 of the Big Five can be found here: Mountain Lion.

Wildlife in Parque Nacional das Emas

Home to 42 recorded species including 16 birds of prey, 9 tropical birds, 8 iconic birds, 4 waterbirds, 2 predators, 1 big herbivores.

Notable Species

Safari Lodges in Parque Nacional das Emas

7 safari lodges available.

Other

budget

Similar Parks in Pantanal & Western Rivers

Visitor Tips - Parque Nacional das Emas

We love Parque Nacional das Emas for its unparalleled Cerrado experience, offering a glimpse into Brazil's often-overlooked savanna. The chance to witness giant anteaters in their natural habitat, alongside the truly magical bioluminescent termite mounds after a good rain, makes this park an unforgettable, almost otherworldly destination. It's a place where nature's subtle wonders truly shine.

Gate Times

The park generally opens from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. We strongly recommend booking your visit and guide well in advance, especially during the dry season (May to September) when wildlife viewing is at its peak. Access is typically restricted to guided tours in authorized 4x4 vehicles, so plan accordingly with a reputable tour operator. There are no seasonal variations in opening hours, but specific activities like night drives for bioluminescence require special permits and arrangements.

Tipping

While tipping culture in Brazil is less structured than in East Africa, we always encourage showing appreciation for excellent service. For a dedicated guide on a full-day tour, we suggest R$100-R$200 per vehicle, depending on the length and quality of the experience. If you interact with other park staff who go above and beyond, a smaller token of R$20-R$50 is appropriate. Always tip discreetly and in local currency.

Health & Travel Info

Health & vaccination info for Brazil

Travel advisory for Brazil

Parque Nacional das Emas FAQs

When is the best time to visit Parque Nacional das Emas, especially to witness the unique bioluminescent termite mounds?

The wet season, from October to April, is ideal for experiencing the spectacular bioluminescent termite mounds, with peak displays typically occurring between November and February. For general wildlife viewing, the dry season (May to September) is often preferred as animals congregate around fewer water sources, making them easier to spot in the less dense vegetation.

What unique wildlife can I expect to see in Parque Nacional das Emas, and how common are sightings of species like the giant anteater or maned wolf?

Parque Nacional das Emas is renowned for its high chances of spotting iconic Cerrado species such as giant anteaters and rheas, which are frequently observed foraging in the grasslands. While more elusive, it is considered one of the best places globally to encounter the maned wolf, though patience and an experienced guide significantly increase your chances. You may also see pampas deer, armadillos, and various bird species.

What are the typical safari activities and logistical considerations for visiting Parque Nacional das Emas, given its remote location and low crowding?

Due to its remote nature and extremely low crowding (rated 1/5), visits to Parque Nacional das Emas typically require booking a guided 4x4 tour from nearby towns like Chapadão do Céu or Mineiros. The experience focuses on extensive game drives across vast grasslands and termite mounds, offering an intimate and tranquil encounter with the Cerrado biome with very few other visitors. Limited infrastructure within the park means tours are usually day trips.

What health and safety precautions should I take when visiting Parque Nacional das Emas, particularly regarding malaria?

Given the moderate malaria risk in the region, it is advisable to consult your doctor about antimalarial prophylaxis before your trip. Always use insect repellent, wear long sleeves and pants, especially at dawn and dusk, and sleep under mosquito nets if available. Additionally, stay hydrated and protect yourself from the intense sun during game drives.

How do I arrange a visit to Parque Nacional das Emas, and what are the typical costs involved for permits and guided tours?

Access to Parque Nacional das Emas is strictly controlled and requires an authorized local guide, making pre-booked tour packages the most common and recommended option. These packages typically include park entrance fees, vehicle, and guide services, with costs varying based on duration and inclusions. It is best to arrange your visit through a specialized tour operator well in advance, as independent entry is not permitted.

Recommended Books

  • The Handbook of Bird Photography by Markus Varesvuo, Jari Peltomäki & Bence Máté - Excellent for birding photographers on safari - covers technique, equipment, fieldcraft, and post-processing with stunning example images.
  • Photographing Wildlife in Africa by Paolo Torchio - Practical guide specifically for African safari photography - camera settings, lens choices, composition techniques, and how to make the most of game drives.
  • Fodor's The Complete Guide to African Safaris by Fodor's Travel - Country-by-country planning guide with lodge reviews, practical logistics, packing lists, and insider tips. Often cited as the best all-in-one safari planning resource.
  • National Geographic Kids: Safari by National Geographic - Age-appropriate wildlife facts with stunning photographs. Great for getting children excited about the animals they'll see on safari.
  • The Last Elephants by Don Pinnock & Colin Bell - Conservation-focused book combining beautiful photography with urgent storytelling about the threats facing Africa's elephant populations.
  • Here Is the African Savanna by Madeleine Dunphy - Beautifully illustrated picture book about the savanna ecosystem. Teaches children about the interconnected web of life on an African plain.
  • Safari: A Photographic Journey by Art Wolfe - Large-format coffee-table book from one of the world's most celebrated nature photographers. Stunning images from across the African continent.
  • The Kingdon Field Guide to African Mammals by Jonathan Kingdon - The definitive mammal field guide for Africa covering over 1,150 species with detailed illustrations. Considered the gold standard for safari-goers and researchers alike.
  • The Behavior Guide to African Mammals by Richard Despard Estes - Goes beyond identification to explain why animals behave as they do. Essential reading for safari-goers who want to understand the wildlife they observe.
  • Remembering Lions by Various Photographers - Part of the acclaimed Remembering Wildlife conservation book series. Features contributions from world-class wildlife photographers, with proceeds supporting lion conservation.
  • African Animals ABC by Stella Blackstone & Petr Horacek - Simple alphabet book with bold, colourful animal illustrations. Perfect for toddlers and young children preparing for their first safari. Ages 2–5.
  • Beat About the Bush: Mammals by Trevor Carnaby - The single best book for understanding animal behaviour on safari. Explains why animals do what they do - feeding, mating, territory, predator-prey dynamics. Makes every game drive infinitely more rewarding.
  • Africa's Top Wildlife Countries by Mark W. Nolting - The most respected safari planning book in print. Detailed country-by-country guide covering parks, lodges, best times to visit, and what wildlife to expect. Updated regularly. The first book every safari planner should read.
  • The Safari Companion: A Guide to Watching African Mammals by Richard D. Estes - Part field guide, part planning tool. Explains mammal behaviour in a way that transforms game drives. Covers tracks, signs, social structures, and habitat preferences. A must-pack for serious safari-goers.
  • The Shadow of the Sun by Ryszard Kapuscinski - Widely considered the greatest book ever written about Africa. Kapuscinski spent 40 years reporting from across the continent. Vivid, poetic, and deeply insightful. Essential pre-safari reading for understanding the continent.
  • Elephant Company by Vicki Constantine Croke - The extraordinary true story of James Howard Williams and the elephants who helped him build bridges, extract teak, and ultimately rescue refugees across the Burmese jungle during WWII. Gripping and moving.
  • When the Last Lion Roars by Sara Evans - An urgent, accessible account of the African lion's decline from 200,000 to under 20,000 in a century. Covers the science, politics, and human stories behind lion conservation. Eye-opening pre-safari reading.
  • Ivory, Horn and Blood by Ronald Orenstein - The definitive book on the poaching crisis devastating African elephants and rhinos. Covers the criminal networks, the rangers fighting back, and what travellers can do. Important context for any safari visitor.
  • Last Chance to See by Douglas Adams & Mark Carwardine - Witty and heartbreaking tour of endangered species by the Hitchhiker's Guide author. Combines humour with urgent conservation messaging.
  • Owen and Mzee by Isabella Hatkoff, Craig Hatkoff & Paula Kahumbu - True story of an orphaned hippo befriending a 130-year-old tortoise in Kenya. A heartwarming tale of unlikely friendship that teaches empathy.
  • Remembering Elephants by Various Photographers - Stunning coffee-table book from the Remembering Wildlife series. All proceeds go to elephant conservation - beautiful photography with a purpose.
  • Whatever You Do, Don't Run by Peter Allison - Hilarious memoir from a Botswana safari guide - true stories from the bush that will have you laughing out loud. A favourite among safari enthusiasts.
  • Poached by Rachel Love Nuwer - Gripping investigation into the illegal wildlife trade - from African poaching networks to Asian markets. Essential reading for understanding the threats to safari wildlife.
  • Safari Nation by Jacob S. T. Dlamini - Fascinating history of South Africa's national parks and their complex colonial legacy. Academic but accessible - changes how you think about safari tourism.
  • Safari: A Photicular Book by Dan Kainen & Carol Kaufmann - Mesmerising book with moving photographic images of African animals. Kids and adults love the magical moving pictures - perfect pre-trip gift.